My (our) Bonnie Whitbread sadly passed away in the wee hours of April 30th, her body reduced by the ravages of dementia and by Parkinson’s disease, a fight that had progressed over a ten year period. The grief we feel is almost impossible to bear … she was truly the light of our lives and the centre of our world.

Just a few years ago, it seems it was that I met my sweet Bonnie. I had opened a door for her … she had smiled a lovely sweet smile of thanks and so it was that she came into my life. (The year was 1970 … the world was so young then and innocent, as were we.) Within hours we were seated together in a cafeteria … I had purchased two glasses of lemonade at the enormous cost of 20 cents … so funny now as I think back.

Our romance blossomed from there and we became engaged within months. A year later we were married, her last name changing from Phelps to Whitbread and our love for each other growing with the day. Eventually we had two children she and I, Rory (Veronica) and Joe (Torie) with now grandchildren a’many: Abby, Molly, Daniel, Morgan, Canon.and Keaton.

She leaves behind too, her parents, Charlie and Pat (now deceased), sisters Bev Casavant (Vic – deceased), Jean Blocka (Bob) and brother Doug (Karen). Additionally, there are multiple nieces and nephews.

She became a wonderful teacher subsequently, as many who read this will know, working steadfastly to assure that no child would be left behind, that all children felt included and loved … countless students through her 37 years of teaching, thousands. And so it was that my Bonnie left her indelible mark upon this world and I like to think is yet beloved by all of those she interacted with.

 

We have decided that there will be no funeral, at her request. Those who remember her may wish to take a moment out of their day and celebrate her memory according to their own beliefs and in accord with their experiences/associations with her. She would like that, I think.

Finally, we would like to thank the many care workers at the Dawson Creek Hospital, the nurses, the doctors, the orderlies, the physios, the many staff personnel of all stripes and other family members too. Such a difficult job it is that you all do and do so well. Thank you.

 

• Date : 2026-04-30
• Location : Dawson Creek, B.C.